Continuing education provided opportunities for me to network with colleagues. I learned about new developments in teacher education. I met colleagues with whom I already am collaborating on research or writing projects. And I received feedback on my own ideas presented during conference sessions. These experiences also gave me ideas about involving undergraduate students in research and scholarly projects. This has resulted in many student projects. I look forward to continuing and productive collaborative efforts during the next several years.
The most important aspect of attending a conference is the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn’t have otherwise ever met. It’s the random, the unexpected, unplanned discovery. Professional conferences also give me opportunities to gain the visibility of being part of the presentation team. I also have had opportunities to connect with the thought and opinion leaders in teacher education.
All the above has certainly been true of my participation in meetings of the Association of Childhood Education International. At my second conference, I was elected as chairperson of the Global Guidelines Task Force. At my fifth conference, I was elected as co-convener for the Global Training and Technical Assistance Special Interest Forum. I have presented at nearly every conference since 2006. As a result of networking, I have written chapters in two books and one article in ACEI’s peer-reviewed journal, Childhood Education.
These were my continuing and professional education goals established for Academic Years 2010 to 2014.
- Engage in independent and systematic reading in areas related to education, literacy, assessment, research and other areas relevant to elementary education.
- Maintain memberships in several professional organizations to stay current in my field.
- Participate in at least two national or international professional conferences.
- Renew my teaching licenses.
- Participate in other possibilities.